Ok, again my 1987 Jaguar xj6 #3 series still will not start.

I've done everything you've told me, It has fuel, has spark (but seems weak). First start attempt it wants to start, it really wants to start when I turn the distributor clock wise as far as it will go, it seems that if I could turn it a little more, it would start. I did remove the plug wires off the cap, relocate them one hole clock wise (tryin to get more out of the distributor) but it wouldn't work, same thing, tries but no cigar. I put the wires back.

#6 compression stroke & TDC, distributor sit at #6 (just to the right of the bottom cap screw)

Please, somebody, give me a clue.

 

Determined how?

It might be as simple as a ignition coil going Tango Uniform.

Do you get a bright blue/white spark at the plugs? or weak and puny yellow-ish spark?

Cheers
DD

 

A very small looking white/blue spark

 

It might be a combination of things. Marginal spark and off time. HNowever, it oughta at least pop!!


I would verify that the timing is at least close to optimum.


1. In Jaguar speak, cylinder # 1 is the one nearest the fire wall.
2. Verify TDC with a wooden dowel. Turn the engine, all plugs out to make it easier via the big nut on the crank snout.
3. Clean the edge of the dampener to see the marks. Verify that the pointer is at about 10 degrees BTDC.
4. Is the rotor pointing at $1, the right one.
5. I don't have the direction of rotor rotation on this engine, nor the firing order.
Find and verify.


Once done, leave it for the time being.


Guessing and distributor twisting can work, but it is not reliable.


Caveat. A decent spark at the coil output doesn't mean that the spark plugs on each and every cylinder get that decent spark. Poor HT wires, poor connections at either or both ends. Fouled spark plugs. Gaps at the plugs too wide....


Decent + to coil connection.
Decent distributor to coil - connection.


Or a horrendous mix of all or most.


Carl

 

Gonna check the coil ohms, amps and anything else I can test to see if the coil is giving off a great spark.

 

I have been away for 1 year and 5 months, I left my XJ in dry storage with a battery maintainer connected.

I just came back and by golly the battery maintainer is still working. It's a miracle, the battery is fully charged!! (I expected a dead battery and a burned out battery maintainer).

tried to start the engine, cranks fine but not start. Primed the fuel system by placing the shifter in 1st gear and holding the ignition switch for 5 seconds at least 4 times, still no start.

gave up, next day I put in 2 gallons of 87 octane in the driver's side tank, primed the fuel system again and vrroommm, started like a champ, it has been running and starting since last tuesday. no missing, nothing, not even smoking, as smooth as a Jaguar XK engine runs.

the lesson here? I have no clue what the lesson is here, in my case it only needed gasoline.